Fishing reels

[Eric 26]

In regards to the above statement I will agree with @bulldog1935that the Stradic is superior in not only line management but overall feel as well. I own and fish a handful of different spinning reels from budget priced Piscifun Carbon X’s to my Stradic and the only one that comes close to line management and smoothness is my Daiwa BG1500 which I didn’t mention as the OP was asking about Shimano specifically.

[Brian11719]

Ultegra, Stradic or Vanford in 2500 or 3000 size depending on what your budget is and how much line you want to put in it. 

[Susky River Rat]

I use ultegras I think they are very overlooked in shimano’s line up. Waiting on the timing from a Japanese website I have got them as  as $107.

[Aguilab1]

On 9/23/2024 at 6:50 PM, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I would probably get a stradic FM 2500 or 3k if I were you.  You can get one from digitaka for well under 200$.

I think Daiwa offers better budget reel,120$ or under, but IMO Shimano has the edge on the mid range reels from 120-350, unless you want a jigging reel.  Once you get to the higher end Daiwas with the AL main gear, like Luvias and up, then it gets pretty even again,

I completely agree with this. Daiwa LT models under $110 are much lighter than the Shimano equivalents. The Fuego LT punches way above its weight, especially with Magseal adding further protection. One could argue 2 Fuego LTs over 1 Stradic would be smarter. 

On 9/25/2024 at 1:03 PM, Rockhopper said:

That and the elongated narrower spool really helps with casting imho.  It is very noticeably better to me.  The weight savings are great.

 

My favorite combo in my entire arsenal is a spinning rod.  6'10" Loomis Mag Medium DSR with a Vanford 2500.  Crazy light weight.  You can do a ton with that rod too.

I have a E6x 610 mag-light DSR with a Tatula LT on it currently. The vanquish might be going on soon though since the Twin Power FE is on the Expride now!

[Rockhopper]

1 hour ago, Aguilab1 said:

The vanquish might be going on soon though since the Twin Power FE is on the Expride now!

A vanquish on that rod would also be a match made in heaven.  I have not personally fished the mag-light, and I do not know how many people on here have experience with the mag-med dsr, but it truly is a hidden gem.  I cannot say enough good things about it. I also have the e6x like you.  I was handling the NRX+ 610 mag-med DSR just yesterday in store.  Outside of the obvious upgraded components, the overall feel of the rod was basically identical to the e6x I currently have.  Maybe just a *bit* more crisp, but not enough to justify the $450 price difference. Regardless, it is one hell of a spinning rod in every way no matter which series you choose.